Majority of Arizona Voters Support Making English the Official Language

Poll finds strong support for Proposition 103

A recent poll by KAET-TV and Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications found that 67 percent of Arizona voters support Proposition 103, a ballot measure which would make English the official language of Arizona. The poll of 846 registered voters found just 26 percent opposed to the initiative that will appear on the November ballot.

“The strong support shown by this poll is further evidence of how strongly Americans believe in the unifying role of the English language,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of U.S. English, Inc. “Though proud of their diversity, Arizonans have long preferred to see the state move forward under one language of government, not get bogged down in the conflicts of government multilingualism.”

Passed by the House in March, 34-22, in and by the Senate in June, 18-11, Proposition 103 would declare English the official language Arizona if passed by the voters. Under the law, the state would be required to conduct official business in English and promote the use of English statewide. The measure contains exemptions for many areas were foreign language use is protected, including private communications, foreign language learning, and emergency services. In addition, it encourages the creation of more English language learning opportunities.

Arizonans previously passed official English by ballot initiative in 1988. That measure was ultimately struck down by the state Supreme Court. In 2005, the state legislature passed an official English bill, only to see it vetoed by Gov. Janet Napolitano. To date, 27 states have declared English as their official language, including six by ballot initiative: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida and Utah.

“As an immigrant and native Spanish speaker, I understand the importance of our linguistic and cultural traditions,” added Mujica. “But as a naturalized citizen of this great nation, I am fully aware that a government requires a common language to be successful. I am pleased to join with the majority of Arizonans in asking voters to pass this bill in November and ensure assimilation and opportunity in the Grand Canyon State.”

U.S. English, Inc. is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S. English, Inc. (www.usenglish.org) now has more than 1.8 million members.